Reflections

“Reflecting on the past with a hopeful outlook for the future can be a catalyst for our growth, shaping us into the people God desires us to become.”

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 29, 2024

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5

As we approach the end of the year and prepare to step into a new one, we often find ourselves gazing into the past. Reflecting on the previous year can be a journey of discovery. We may see the milestones we’ve reached, or we may notice the opportunities we’ve yet to seize. Reflecting on the past with a hopeful outlook for the future can be a catalyst for our growth, shaping us into the people God desires us to become. 

As we transition into a new year, let’s take an opportunity to reflect on the past year and consider what it meant for us personally. Here are some ideas to think as we move forward:

• Gratitude Journal: Take some time to write down the things you’re grateful for from the past year. This can help shift your focus from what you didn’t accomplish to the blessings you received. 
• Lessons Learned: Reflect on specific experiences that taught you valuable lessons. Consider how these lessons can guide your decisions in the coming year.
• Goals Review: Revisit the goals you set for yourself. Which ones did you accomplish? Which ones slipped away? Spend time in prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate your path and guide your goal-setting for the new year.
• Forgiveness: Consider releasing the weight of past mistakes or grievances. Forgiveness is a powerful tool that can clear the path for new growth in the coming year, whether it’s within yourself or in your relationships with others.
• Personal Growth: Think about how you’ve grown personally and spiritually over the past year. How can you continue that journey in the upcoming year?

With these reflections, you can enter the new year with a clear mind and an open heart, ready to hear from God and embrace whatever he chooses for us next.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19).

Prayer

Father God, thank you for the blessings you have bestowed upon me this year. During this new year I will look to you to guide my steps in the direction you wish for me to go.

Application

Instead of traditional resolutions, think about setting intentions. These can be broader themes like “embracing change” or “cultivating joy” that can guide your actions.

Related Reading

Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 91:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Philippians 4:13

Worship Resource

TRIBL: I Thank God

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